The National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) has announced the selection of 12 projects under its WAVES Doc Bazaar Recommends programme for the second edition of WAVES Doc Bazaar, to be held alongside the 19th Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) in 2026. The market segment will be organized from June 16–18, 2026, at the NFDC Head Office located at Dr. Gopalrao Deshmukh Marg, Mumbai, bringing together filmmakers, producers, broadcasters, distributors, festival programmers and industry professionals from the documentary, short film and animation ecosystem.
In a significant initiative to support emerging talent, NFDC has introduced cash grants of ₹3 lakh each for three outstanding projects participating in WAVES Doc Bazaar 2026. These grants will recognize projects demonstrating exceptional creative vision, compelling narratives, strong artistic merit and potential to engage audiences in India and international markets.
The selection comprises 12 projects total, including four projects participating in the Work-in-Progress Lab where filmmakers present rough cuts to international advisors and editors for feedback and mentorship. Additionally, eight projects have been selected under the WAVES Doc Bazaar Recommends lineup, consisting of films either completed or in final post-production stages seeking sales, distribution and exhibition opportunities.
All 12 selected projects will participate in the Open Pitch Session on June 16, 2026, where filmmakers present to industry professionals including buyers, distributors, broadcasters and festival representatives. The Viewing Room digital library platform will feature 155 projects from 19 countries in 35 languages, offering industry stakeholders access to diverse documentary narratives from around the world.
The selected Work-in-Progress Lab projects include: Adieu Dilli (Directors: Nandan Saxena and Kavita Bahl), It Takes A Village (Director: Indrajeet More), Kunchok and His Many Moons (Director: Ashok Meena), and On a Good Note (Director: Karishma Rao). The WAVES Doc Bazaar Recommends selections include: By the Home (Director: Mankap Nokwoham), Do Chaar Din (Director: Saanya Anand), Eche (Director: Dingku Thingnam), Rasanishpathi (Director: Harish K. M.), Rise (Director: Arastu Zakia), The Girl Beneath The Sun (Director: Madhurima Maiti), Turu (Director: Rameshwar Bhatt), and Tukro Tukro Prithibi (Director: Asmita Pal).